{"id":8859,"date":"2026-07-24T14:00:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T05:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/avf.lne.st\/?p=8859"},"modified":"2026-08-06T13:31:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T04:31:26","slug":"%e3%82%a2%e3%83%89%e3%83%99%e3%83%b3%e3%83%81%e3%83%a3%e3%83%bc%e4%ba%ba%e6%9d%90%ef%bc%94","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/avf.lne.st\/en\/2026\/07\/24\/%e3%82%a2%e3%83%89%e3%83%99%e3%83%b3%e3%83%81%e3%83%a3%e3%83%bc%e4%ba%ba%e6%9d%90%ef%bc%94\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Hyacinth: Bridging the Environment and Food\u2014Creating Industries That Foster Happiness for Ourselves and Others"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This article is a re-edited version for online publication, based on an interview originally featured in Volume 30 of the \u201cHuman Resources Support\u201d booklet, \u201cThe Turning Point of 2025,\u201d published in December 2025.

Speaker<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms. Moana Kitamura
Floatmeal, Inc. Representative Director and CEO<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Born in New Zealand to Japanese parents, he was raised in Australia. At the Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, he researched the impact of environmental changes in the Arctic Ocean on marine ecosystems. While conducting research on climate change, he came to believe that \u201csecuring a sustainable food supply for the future will lead to the preservation of the global environment.\u201d He met Kamal Sajjad, who was conducting research on duckweed at the university. Intrigued by the potential for mass production technology and commercialization of duckweed\u2014which is gaining attention as a next-generation food resource\u2014he founded Floatmeal, Inc. in May 2023 while still enrolled in his master\u2019s program.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Interviewer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yoshifumi Kawana
General Manager, Human Resources Development Division, Ribanes Co., Ltd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the Graduate School of Environmental Information Science at Yokohama National University. In 2008, he became a lecturer at Yokohama National University\u2019s VBL program and founded LD Factory Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Ribance Co., Ltd. He joined Ribance in 2014. To date, he has participated in the management of four group subsidiaries\u2014including Agrinome Research Institute, Inc. and KAKAXI, Inc.\u2014as a director. He is involved in launching new businesses related to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, such as plant factory operations, food and beverage businesses, and support for agritech ventures.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The challenge of changing society and the environment isn\u2019t one that falls solely on the shoulders of the first person to take the plunge. The \u201csecond penguins\u201d\u2014those who follow in the footsteps of entrepreneurs, often referred to as \u201cfirst penguins,\u201d and move forward while engaging those around them\u2014can sometimes be the ones who drive the next era. Moana Kitamura, CEO of Floatmeal, is working with friends she met in college to promote cultivation techniques that enable the industrial-scale use of nutrient-rich duckweed as a protein source, with the goal of creating a new food supply model that is kind to both the environment and people. The source of her energy, as she continues her work with such vigor, is actually a simple desire: \u201cI want to be happy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tackling Environmental Issues Through Food<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>We first met in the fall of 2022 at the AgriTech Grand Prix, didn\u2019t we? I remember being impressed by how you were holding a sample of duckweed powder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>Yes, I was a junior in college at the time. It wasn\u2019t yet a company, and Sajjad, our current CTO, was giving the presentation as the representative. I was frantically working behind the scenes to put together a presentation\u2014something I wasn\u2019t used to doing\u2014and looking back now, I realize how inexperienced I was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>Back then, there wasn\u2019t even enough duckweed powder to eat, but now it\u2019s being marketed as a food product\u2014it\u2019s really taken off over the past three years. I believe you were part of the Faculty of Fisheries Sciences at Hokkaido University at the time\u2014how did you end up joining Floatmeal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>It all started when I was a sophomore in college and had the opportunity to work as a staff member for the \u201cHult Prize,\u201d a student entrepreneurship program. There, I approached the members of Floatmeal\u2014a team of international students who were making a big impact\u2014and we hit it off; they invited me to join them. I thought that if I joined this team, I\u2019d be able to \u201cmake a difference for the environment,\u201d so at first, I planned to give it my all for just two months during spring break. Before I knew it, I was completely absorbed in it, and here I am today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>It\u2019s true that things often start with a hunch, isn\u2019t it? However, while I remember seeing you conducting research in the Arctic during your master\u2019s program, you\u2019re now working as the CEO of a startup focused on duckweed. Could you tell me what sparked your interest in the ocean and the environment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>Inspired by an oceanographer I met at a research center in Australia when I was a child, I enrolled in the Faculty of Fisheries Sciences at Hokkaido University to study the ocean. After entering university, I discovered oceanography and was deeply drawn to the perspective of viewing the entire Earth as a single system through the lens of the ocean, which led me to begin my research. In addition to oceanography, as I was exposed to the teachings of various professors, I gradually developed a sense that I, too, needed to tackle environmental issues. So, when I encountered Floatmeal, I felt, \u201cThis is the project I\u2019m meant to work on!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>So your interest has expanded from the ocean to the environment as a whole. Actually, when I was a student, I was also involved in research on mangroves, hoping to develop research and business initiatives related to food and the environment. Water hyacinth is often seen as a protein source for the next generation\u2014what are your plans for addressing environmental challenges?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>Duckweed is a plant with a low environmental impact and high nutritional value, including protein. We aim to utilize it as a new source of protein and bring about positive change in society from both environmental and food perspectives. At startup events where we participate as \u201cFloatmeal,\u201d we plan to serve drinks made with duckweed. Ultimately, we want to develop this into a business that contributes to solving global warming, and our goal is to achieve results that demonstrate a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions\u2014even if it\u2019s just 1 percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>I heard that this summer, in particular, was extremely hot and marked by erratic weather, which led to a poor onion harvest even in Hokkaido. Prices have been rising year after year, and I\u2019ve heard they\u2019ve more than doubled over the past few years. Now that we\u2019re seeing the visible effects of global warming, we must address food production and reducing our environmental impact as two sides of the same coin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>The food system accounts for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. That\u2019s why I believe that approaching the issue through \u201cfood\u201d\u2014something that affects everyone\u2014is the most practical way to bring about a shift in society\u2019s overall mindset. I hope to use water hyacinth to help spread sustainable food systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building a Ship for My Own Happiness and That of Everyone Else<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>When you first launched Floatmeal, I don\u2019t think there were many student-led startups around at the time\u2014did you have any reservations about starting a business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>Not at all. I\u2019ve always lived freely, so I didn\u2019t face any opposition from those around me or have any doubts of my own. To begin with, I was already in the minority the moment I left my hometown of Tokyo to attend college in Hokkaido, so I didn\u2019t feel any particular resistance. More than that, I was strongly drawn to Floatmeal\u2019s vision of tackling environmental issues on a global scale. I\u2019m drawn to \u201csomething big and mysterious.\u201d I love things on a grand scale\u2014like the ocean or the Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>So, setting ambitious goals is what drives you, isn\u2019t it? The appeal of a deep-tech startup lies in the opportunity to tackle global challenges by addressing phenomena that are unprecedented in the world. Was there a specific moment that first drew you to such a grand vision?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>It\u2019s a little embarrassing to admit, but I have a desire to be recognized by society. In the past, I used to think I just wanted to be recognized by specific people, but that felt like something was missing. Ultimately, I\u2019ve come to believe that if my work can contribute to society and bring happiness to others, that will lead to my own happiness as well. I\u2019ve only recently been able to put this into words. If that\u2019s the case, then the more I expand my business to benefit society, the happier I\u2019ll become. I also think I\u2019ll be able to create something that others will find appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Powdered Wolffia,\" a powdered duckweed with a matcha-like flavor<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>In the past, there was a time when people placed value on buying cars or wearing nice clothes to satisfy their need for recognition. Nowadays, it seems there may be more people who find value in contributing to society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>The guiding principle behind everything I do is whether or not it makes me happy. Whether it\u2019s spending time laughing with friends or studying late into the night to prepare for the future, both bring me happiness. However, if I focus only on the present, my life becomes unbalanced, so I also make sure to value the time I spend working hard for my future. The people who support Floatmeal are all those who wish for others\u2019 happiness. While my own happiness is still my main priority, I aim to be able to work for the happiness of others in the near future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>Floatmeal\u2019s vision is \u201cSustainable Nutrition for Everyone,\u201d and it\u2019s wonderful to see that as the company moves toward this goal, more people are finding happiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>I hope that the people who are involved with us right now will use the \u201cFloatmeal\u201d ship as a means to achieve self-fulfillment in their own lives. It\u2019s perfectly fine for Floatmeal to be a stepping stone on someone\u2019s path to self-actualization. I, too, am not Floatmeal itself, but simply one person creating happiness through it. The company will evolve alongside my growth, but it is not exactly the same as me. The ideal is for us to grow together as separate entities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>I can really relate to this because the name \u201cLibanes\u201d also incorporates the meaning of \u201cLeave a Nest\u201d\u2014the idea of spreading one\u2019s wings. Perhaps it\u2019s precisely because Mr. Kitamura embraces this way of thinking that so many people are drawn to Floatmeal and are able to work together there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Strength of the Second Penguin, Who Doesn't Want to Fail<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>Once Mr. Kitamura decides to do something, he really focuses and takes action, doesn\u2019t he? Even when he joined Floatmeal, he set a clear goal: \u201cI\u2019ll be fully committed for the two months of spring break.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kitamura:<\/strong>The truth is, it's because I'm a scaredy-cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>Rather than coming across as cautious or timid, at the Hokkaido Forum of the Interdisciplinary Society, I had the opportunity to have him speak at a session, and he immediately joined the projects I introduced\u2014so I saw him as someone with a strong drive and a knack for getting things done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>I do have a lot of drive, but because I\u2019m a bit of a scaredy-cat, I\u2019m the type who decides on my next move and then takes the plunge with a \u201cOkay, let\u2019s do this.\u201d Rather than aiming for success, I work hard because I \u201cdon\u2019t want to fail.\u201d Since I\u2019m afraid of failure, I listen to others\u2019 opinions and mimic the methods of people who are doing well. It\u2019s a style where I\u2019m more inclined to openly adopt ideas I think are good rather than coming up with something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>I get the impression that Mr. Kitamura is surrounded by many working professionals who support him, and perhaps his willingness to listen to their ideas and incorporate them is one of the keys to getting them on board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>Maybe my life has turned out the way it has because I\u2019ve spent my time collecting things that people tell me they \u201clike.\u201d It\u2019s faster to learn from others and act on that than to figure things out on my own. But I\u2019ve decided I won\u2019t have any regrets. No matter the outcome, I don\u2019t want to deny the path I\u2019ve chosen. I want to live my life trusting the person I used to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>By taking others\u2019 perspectives into account, it\u2019s important to take personal responsibility for your decisions\u2014even when things go wrong\u2014rather than blaming others, right? Does your co-founder, Sajad, share a similar way of thinking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>He\u2019s a true visionary who can clearly articulate what he wants to do. Since I joined later, I\u2019m more of a \u201csecond penguin.\u201d I\u2019m not the type to jump in right away; I prefer to calmly assess the situation before taking the plunge. Sajjad is always brimming with ideas. I use the advice I gather from those around me to make decisions and then execute them while involving external partners in the process. We always discuss and decide on Floatmeal\u2019s policies together with Sajjad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>There's a good balance between the CEO and the CTO, isn't there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>I think so. For example, when it comes to hiring, I\u2019m the type who likes people and tends to act on my emotions. If I think someone seems like a good fit, I\u2019ll approach them right away, but Sajjad is a logical thinker, so he calmly assesses the person\u2019s skills. He sets the direction, and within that framework, I decide, \u201cWe definitely want to hire this person.\u201d That\u2019s why I rely on him. I\u2019m the \u201cSecond Penguin\u201d\u2014someone who listens to everyone\u2019s opinions and selects the best course of action. My role is to move the Floatmeal team forward while involving those around me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kawana:<\/strong>You\u2019re truly a leader who brings everyone\u2019s happiness to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a New Industry Through the Power of Duckweed and Microorganisms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>I heard that you\u2019re expanding your operations beyond Hokkaido. How do you plan to develop your business going forward?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>Starting next month, we will establish a new research and development center in Toyohashi, and Sajad will take the lead in setting up the organization. I will be traveling back and forth between Hokkaido, Tokyo, and Thailand to fully advance the commercialization of this project in Thailand. Thailand has a long-standing cultural tradition of eating duckweed, and the local people are eager to preserve that tradition. Together with them, I want to build an industry that balances cultural preservation with economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>So you're moving on to the next stage, huh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>Yes, actually, we\u2019ve just changed our company\u2019s mission to \u201cHarnessing the power of nature to build new industries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>Based on what I've heard about the current business, I didn't have any issues with the previous one, so why did you change it now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>Our core technology is a cultivation method that utilizes microorganisms\u2014first discovered by the Morikawa Laboratory at the Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, where Sajjad conducted his research\u2014that promote the growth of duckweed. This technology can also be applied to plants other than duckweed. It can also be used to enhance the growth and nutritional value of plants such as strawberries and tomatoes. We are eager to take on challenges in any field that contributes to solving environmental issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kawana:<\/strong>It seems like this could be useful for urban greening and land reclamation, too. I\u2019ve come up with so many ideas for things I\u2019d like to work on together, including collaborations with the food industry and expanding overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitamura:<\/strong>That\u2019s right. Sajad and I often talk about the concept of the \u201ccircular economy.\u201d In the future, I think we might be able to use duckweed and microorganisms to build a circular society, perhaps by incorporating wastewater treatment and other measures. Our ultimate goal is to have the greatest possible impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To that end, we\u2019ll continue to take on new challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Written by Miyuki Shigenaga)<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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